Press Release from PCSO:
Reunites with Former Military Handler after 6 Years in Law Enforcement
PUTNAM COUNTY, TN (February 20, 2019): Putnam County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Remi is retiring and being reunited with his original handler, US Marine Corp. veteran Lance Cpl. Philip Akhteebo. Remi is being honorably retired after eight years of service and over 600 events, incidents and public appearances. His specialty is explosive detection, and he came to work at the sheriff’s office in December 2012 at no original cost from the US Military.
Sheriff Eddie Farris says that PCSO will miss Remi, but everyone at the office is glad that he will have a forever home with his former military handler.
“Remi’s retirement was a tough decision, but due to his age, we made the decision to honorably retire him from service,” said Sheriff Eddie Farris. “K-9s and their handlers are such valuable assets to law enforcement. I am so proud of Remi, his handlers and their accomplishments. The K- 9 Division is constantly receiving additional certifications to ensure that the dogs and their handlers can perform in a professional manner in a variety of situations. Since September 1, 2014, all K-9 handlers have achieved USPCA Certification for Narcotics and Explosive Detection. Remi will be greatly missed, but we know he’s in good hands with Cpl. Akhteebo.”
Akhteebo and Remi were deployed with the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines Fox Company in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Both retired from military service to then serve and protect Americans on US soil by working in law enforcement. Akhteebo is a Corrections Officer at McHenry County in Illinois.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division works closely with their dogs to enforce laws and apprehend criminals throughout the county. The sheriff’s office currently has five K-9 deputies that are divided into four types – explosive detection, narcotics detection, tracking and dual- purpose patrol search/narcotics detection. Bloodhounds are primarily used for tracking human subjects due to stamina and scent detection of human skin cells. This breed of dog is especially helpful in tracking missing and endangered children and adults. The Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers are primarily specialized in narcotics or explosive detection and/or patrol search.
“Remi knew his job, and when he was on a mission, nothing else mattered,” marveled Major Greg Whittaker who supervises the K-9 Division at PCSO. “These animals have a working life of 8 – 10 years, and they make them count.”
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Media contact:
Laura Hull, PIO
sheriffpio@putnamcountytn.gov
